Northern Michigan University, located in Marquette, Michigan, is a dynamic four-year, public, comprehensive university that has grown its reputation based on its award-winning leadership programs, cutting-edge technology initiatives and nationally recognized academic programs. Northern has a population of about 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students.

Ask a few Northern students what drew them to our university and you will get a variety of answers. That's because there is no single thing that make students want to go to Northern; it is ALL the things that we do here. Northern is big enough to offer a wide variety of academic programs but is also small enough that every time you walk across campus, you'll probably wave "hi" to someone you know.

Curiosity is the raw ingredient of knowledge. It causes us to ask questions, to seek answers, to learn. At Northern Michigan University, natural curiosity and intellectual challenge meet in stimulating classes grounded in the liberal arts. So wherever your curiosity leads you, you can count on the support you need to take the next step, ask the next question, propose the next hypothesis.

The mission of the Northern Michigan University Department of Intercollegiate Athletics, Recreational Sports and the United States Olympic Training Site is to create an environment that promotes academic excellence, interpersonal growth and social development; embraces diversity; teaches lifetime leisure skills; fosters spirit and tradition; and builds a lifelong connection to NMU.

Yes, you'll attend your classes, but what else will you be doing as a student at Northern? There's so much stuff to choose from. There's a student organization or club – almost 300 at last count-- for just about every interest. If you're into investigating the paranormal, anime or improv comedy, there's a group. Cheer on your fellow Wildcats at a hockey game or volleyball match. Join a competitive club sport or an intramural team. The sky is the limit.

Liberal Studies

Students take two courses in this area for a minimum of six credits. The first course in foundations of communication is EN 111 College Composition I (4 credits).

Course Placement and Requirements

All students, except transfers who have satisfactorily completed the equivalent of EN 111, will have their ACT scores and high school grades reviewed for appropriate placement in EN 111 and/or learning skills courses. Some students may be required to write a placement examination.

Those students who demonstrate exceptional ability in writing may complete the foundations of communication requirement in either of two ways:

1. Students receive course credit for EN 111 by passing the appropriate AP-CEEB examinations or CLEP general test for English Composition with Essay or the appropriate international baccalaureate test, then take EN 211.

2. Students receive a waiver for EN 111 without credit, begin the foundations of communication sequence with EN 211 and complete the sequence with another approved foundations of communication elective at the 200 level or above. A list of approved alternate foundations of communication courses is available to qualified students from the English Department, the Academic and Career Advisement Center and the Registrar’s Office.

Note:Those students judged to have a deficiency in writing must achieve a grade of “C” in EN 090 Basic Composition before taking EN 111.

Students must complete one of the following courses for the second course in foundations of communication:

Students participating in the honors program will complete the foundations of communication requirement through select honors courses rather than the EN 111-EN 211 sequence.

Note: Students must have a “C” or better in EN 111 or equivalent course in order to take the second course in foundations of communication. Students must earn a “C” or better in the second course in foundations in communication.